F-16s Scrambled After Aircraft Breach Restricted Airspace Near Trump's Bedminster Club

NORAD deployed F-16 fighter jets Sunday after two civilian aircraft entered restricted airspace over Bedminster, New Jersey, where President Donald Trump was expected to be present at his golf club during the LIV Golf New York tournament.

The aircraft violated temporary flight restrictions that had been established over the area, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command. Air Forces Northern confirmed that two general aviation aircraft were involved.

The aircraft were intercepted and escorted out of the restricted airspace by NORAD fighters without incident, military officials said.

NORAD had announced in advance that it would enforce the Federal Aviation Administration's temporary flight restrictions throughout the weekend to secure airspace surrounding the property. Officials also notified pilots and the public that U.S. Army ground-based air defense systems could be operating in the region as part of the military's layered homeland defense network.

"These systems are operating under NORAD authorities, constitute a routine component of the command's layered defense posture and work in tandem with the command's airborne assets to monitor and protect the airspace," According to information published by the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.

Following the interceptions, military officials reminded general aviation pilots to review Notices to Airmen before flights to ensure awareness of temporary airspace restrictions. "Check NOTAMs before EVERY flight!" 1st AF/AFNORTH stated.

Officials also provided procedures for pilots intercepted by NORAD aircraft, instructing them to immediately switch radios to frequencies 121.5 or 243.0 and "turn around to reverse course until receiving additional instructions on one of those frequencies."

Temporary flight restrictions are routinely established during presidential travel, major sporting events, and other special occasions. NORAD uses radar systems, satellites, fighter aircraft, and other surveillance capabilities to detect and monitor potential threats within North American airspace.